Participation: 7,502 veterans were served by the Local Veterans Employment Representative program (LVER) between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009.

Who is Served: Any person who served on active duty for a period of more than 180 days and was discharged or released from active duty with other than a dishonorable discharge or was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability is eligible; with a priority given to recently exited veterans.

Program Description: LVER staff work with other service providers to promote veterans as job seekers who have highly marketable skills and experience. They advocate for veterans for employment and training opportunities with business, industry, and community-based organizations. As an integral player in the local WorkSource office, LVER coordinates with WorkSource employer relations staff and partners.The program conducts a variety of job search assistance workshops and provides job development and referrals for veterans.

Other Program Characteristics: The state’s plan is to physically integrate services where it makes sense, electronically tie various existing locations and providers together, and provide for extensive self-service options. The WorkSource career center system presents a broad range of reemployment services that were not previously accessible or readily available to veterans who visited job service centers.

Program History: The LVER program was first authorized under the original GI Bill, the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944. Since then, legislation has been enacted to increase benefits and entitlements for veterans. The state’s Employment Security Department receives annual grants from the U.S. Department of Labor to fund LVER positions.

Planning Cycle: Federal fiscal year.

Outcome Measures: The measures used to determine the program’s success are:

Entered employment rate.

Employment retention rate at six months.

Average earnings over a two quarter period.

Representatives carry out a number of specific monitoring functions to assure participation of veterans in employment and training programs and in subsequent referrals of qualified veterans to job opportunities.

Funding and Regional Division: The state’sEmployment Security Department administers veteran activities via the 12 local Workforce Development Councils. Funds are allocated to support local veteran employment representatives in designated WorkSource centers.